A JOURNEY OF REJUVENATION TO BHUTAN

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok

After clearing immigration you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend this evening at your hotel, perhaps enjoying a post flight massage in the terrific spa. Enjoy dinner in the rooftop Latitude Lounge & Bar, with its views over the bustling metropolis.

Overnight: Banyan Tree Bangkok

Day 2 Bangkok - Punakha

Fly to Paro where you will be met and transferred by road to Punakha. The drive is a long one- approximately 4.5 hours, with stops en route - though beautiful. Your journey takes you up to Dochu La pass at 3,050m, from where the views are exceptional on a clear day. From there continue down in to the Punakha valley via a winding route through dense forest and farmland. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Uma Punakha is located in a majestic setting on a bend in the Mo Chu River, with views along the Punakha Valley. Accommodation comprises nine hillside Valley View rooms and two independent private villas (one bedroom and two bedroom).

Overnight: Uma Punakha

Day 3 Punakha

Spend the day relaxing at your hotel. Unwind after your journey at the hotel's spa, COMO Shambala Retreat, located within a peaceful woodland glade with stunning mountain views. The spa specialises in Asian treatments, including massage (including Deep Tissue, Indian Head Massage, Thai, and signature COMO Shambala Massage), Ayurvedic therapies, skin and nail care and treatments designed to restore emotional balance. Try the traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, which involves dropping hot river stones into a bath to release essential, calming minerals. The treatments, along with the peaceful location, gradually ease body and mind into a state of balance and harmony. The spa has a double and a single treatment room, with floor to ceiling windows for fully appreciating the setting. Cuisine at the hotel's Bukhari Restaurant is based on the traditional, local flavours of Bhutan, and in particular the produce of the Punakha Valley. International dishes are also served.

Overnight: Uma Punakha

Day 4 Punakha Valley

Start your day with a nature walk through the terraces of chillies, cabbage and rice to the monument of Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten - created by the Queen of Bhutan and dedicated to the well-being of the kingdom. Afterwards drive back up the valley to visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, site of the coronation of the first King of Bhutan in 1907. Its name means "The Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss", fitting for a country that measures wealth in terms of gross domestic happiness. This ancient fortress still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region.

Overnight: Uma Punakha

Day 5 Punakha

Spend a further day relaxing at your hotel and / or at the COMO Shambala Retreat spa.

Overnight: Uma Punakha

Day 6 Paro

Return by road to Paro and check in at Uma Paro. This contemporary boutique hotel has lots of character, set in a stunning position overlooking the Paro Valley and surrounding mountains. Accommodation comprises 20 luxury rooms and nine delightfully private villas crafted from stone, wood and tiles, each with forest, mountain and valley views. Each villa additionally has a private therapy suite and butler.

Overnight: Uma Paro

Day 7 Paro

Spend your day relaxing at the hotel and visit the COMO Shambala Retreat, where facilities include two Bhutanese hot stone bath houses, a steam room, gym, yoga studio and large indoor pool. Treatments are Asian inspired and includes Ayurvedic treatments. Complimentary Yoga sessions are available, based on Hatha Yoga, which concentrates on posture, breathing and alignment. Dine at the hotel's restaurant, Burkhari, where ingredients are grown in the organic kitchen garden, maintained in partnership with local farmers from the Paro Valley. For the health conscious, choose from the COMO Shambala Cuisine which comprises nutritionally rich and strong flavours designed to improve energy levels and well-being. For complete privacy, you may also choose to dine in your villa.

Overnight: Uma Paro

Day 8 Paro

This morning, hike to one of Bhutan's most iconic sites, the Taktshang Goemba, also known as the "Tigers Nest". This spiritual monastery, clinging to the cliffside is said to be where the second Buddha practiced meditation after arriving here by flying tiger. The climb to the monastery is strenuous (approximately two to three hours), though worth every step.In the afternoon - visit the Dzong and National Museum and cross Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge leading to the town temple built in 1525.

Overnight: Uma Paro

Day 9 Paro

Enjoy your final full day relaxing at Uma Paro and indulging in the facilities of the restorative spa.

Overnight: Uma Paro

Day 10 Depart Bhutan

Fly back to Bangkok. Check in to your hotel in Bangkok and, time allowing, explore a little of the city.

Overnight: Banyan Tree Bangkok

Day 11 Depart Bangkok

Transfer to Bangkok airport for your international flight home.